We're all imperfect. On this podcast, Hugh van Cuylenburg, founder of The Resilience Project chats to a variety of interesting people who are willing to make themselves vulnerable, by sharing their own struggles and imperfections. Hugh and good friend Ryan Shelton then discuss some valuable take aways we can all apply to our own imperfect lives.
Hugh van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton & Josh van Cuylenburg
You just have to be a good parent 30-40% of the time. According to the research, and parenting expert Maggie Dent.
What do you do when your 3 day-old-baby just doesn’t wake up?
Two cataclysmic events have shaped Dr Lucy Hone’s relationship with grief, and resilience.
Stop. Everything. Now. It’s Claudia Karvan day.
Ryan’s got news. Well, past-Ryan had news, and now future-Ryan is going to reflect on how present-day-Ryan is currently feeling about said news. Get it? It’s reflecting on a reflection about a rejection. Today we’re giving you two for the price of none, and bringing you two of the most memorable moments from our subscriber based show A Little More Imperfects. With both segments focusing on wildest dreams, Hugh, Ryan and Josh explore how to navigate regret when you’re not at your best, and how to show yourself compassion and love when your dreams are, well, crushed. Also, we ask Hugh what happened to him today. If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/Ilg-r9gHGPk
Do you believe in ghosts? Josh doesn’t, Ryan does, and Hugh is actually being haunted.
Today, we come to you with a gift: bonus Dr Emily. Thank you in advance for the standing ovation.
Little heads up, this episode contains some language that is exclusively found on the naughty list, and therefore, isn’t suitable for kids. Now, it’s time to spill some Vulnerabili-TEA.
Dave Hughes has a complicated relationship with his ego.
We’re nervous. We’re excited. We’re nervous and excited. Because it’s Mary freaking Fowler day.
Is your communication style a red flag?
Jamila Rizvi has not been the perfect sick person.
Troy Kinne’s heart is in the right place. As in, it’s on the wrong side.
Do you ever feel anxious about your health?
Not to be dramatic, but Bryan Brown is an Australian icon of the silver screen.
Hugo Toovey has beaten cancer, twice. But this is far from the whole story.
Have you ever dated someone you knew, logically, was a bad idea? A puppeteer twenty years your senior, perhaps?
Whether you’re a ‘new year new me’ aficionado, a 5-year planner, or get sweaty at the thought of setting goals, this episode is for you.
If you’re not navigating your life through your values, what are you using?
The mid-life update we've all been waiting for.
It’s a different sort of episode(s) this week.
This moment is bigger than Mitch Brown.
Matt Okine has been privy to a few life changing events.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 44.
Not shut down by the fear of humiliation, Hannah Ferguson believes her biggest failure would be to never try in the first place.
Inside what might be the biggest scandal in Australian sporting history, Dyson Heppell, at 23 years old, found himself at the centre with a choice to make.
Hey Babe, what’s for (vulnerabili)tea?
Do you ever wonder whether you belong?
Well, well, well, it’s time to prove things.
Approached by 5 NRL clubs by the time he was 13, Joe was a sporting prodigy.
Domestic violence is an epidemic in Australia, and Jess Hill has dedicated a good chunk of time trying to understand why.
Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au As the title suggests, Nas Campanella is really cool (and accomplished and driven and resilient). You might recognise her voice from the Triple J cinematic universe or know her work as the Disability Affairs Reporter for the ABC. But what you might not know is that Nas is vision impaired, or that a neurological condition means that she can’t read braille either. In this episode of The Vulnerabilitea House, Nas answers the questions “what childhood challenges best prepared you for adulthood?” Chatting to Hugh, Ryan and Josh, Nas talks about her relationship with her disability, and how it shapes her identity. Nas also dives into a powerful conversation with the guys about the role agency and accessibility in the experience of discrimination, and shares why, if a magical operation could restore her sight, she wouldn’t change a thing. Nas, it has been an absolute joy.
It’s that time of the month (sorry), and we’re welcoming back Dr Louise Newson to talk all things hormones. In case you missed it, last time we had Dr Louise on the pod, she shared her expertise on perimenopause and menopause. This, to no surprise, was Apple Australia's most shared podcast episode in 2024. Today, Dr Louise talks to the guys about hormones; what they are, how they impact our lives, and what the difference is between the natural and synthetic forms we can be prescribed. Discussing the naturally occurring cycles of hormones, as well as the dramatic hormone drop offs that can happen throughout a lifetime, Dr Louise shares the impact of hormones for PMS, PMDD and post-natal depression. Dr Louise, this has been life changing. If you would like to watch this full video on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/l4naB7-GKto
Quick! Is anyone here an author? Yes! And her book is finally here! Our favourite psychologist, Dr Emily Musgrove, has published the most anticipated book of the year, Unstuck: A guide to finding your way forward to the life you want to live. Feeling stuck, and the yearning for something to change, is a human experience. And in Unstuck, Dr Emily doesn’t just acknowledge this feeling, she walks with you through it. We’re talking values, we’re talking an introduction to acceptance commitment therapy, and we’re talking self-compassion (among many, many other things). At its core, this book is a model for how we might approach change. It’s compulsory reading. Unstuck is available now in all good bookstores, or you can order it online here - https://bit.ly/4bhmCp2. If you want to watch this full video on YouTube, follow this link - https://bit.ly/4mvgSgE
It’s a Monty type of day - and thank god, because this week we welcome the brilliant Monty Dimond into the studio. In this episode, Monty opens up about the heartbreak of losing her mum—her person, her sense of home and safety. She speaks candidly about the tunnel vision of ambition, living with imposter syndrome, and how a debilitating chronic illness left her bed-bound for 90% of last year. Hugh and Monty share an incredibly vulnerable chat about parenting neurodivergent children; sharing the intense challenges, boundless love and ways they can show compassion to themselves and others. If you're not familiar with Monty yet, she's the founder and co-host of the Show and Tell platform, which includes the newly released podcast iChronic, Monty is a pillar of Australian media (including a co-hosting a national drive show with our very own Sheltzy). Monty, we are in awe of you. To watch this full video of YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3GVUYmf
What would it look like if we were more open to grief? This week, as promised, we are joined by our resident psychologist Dr Emily Musgrove to talk through grief from a clinical perspective. Grief is proof of life, and proof of love. And while it is an incredibly unique experience for each person, there is a universality to it as well. Dr Em walks us through how grief impacts the brain on a neurological level, and unpacks its unpredictable, non-linear path. Explaining the difference between grief and grieving, Em reminds us about the importance of turning towards the pain and how to learn to ride the waves of grief, rather than expecting them to disappear. And on a practical level, Ryan asks about what you can actually do for someone in grief to show them love and support. If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4jKdlco If you would like to pre-order Em’s book Unstuck, click here: https://bit.ly/4bhmCp2
Lauren Zonfrillo knows grief - intimately, devastatingly, and meaningfully. Almost two years since the sudden death of her husband Jock, Lauren describes grief as the ‘shittest, greatest gift’, and how she navigated unimaginable loss while continuing to parent two young children. In this episode, Lauren shares what she learnt about herself in the days, weeks, and months since Jock’s passing. Discussing with Hugh, Ryan and Josh about her evolving relationship with spirituality, Lauren vulnerably shares how she is beginning to reconcile her identity as a mother, widow, and person in her own right. Lauren, thank you for such a special episode. If you would like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4mi4mkD
It’s the episode we’ve all been waiting for – a peek inside Hugh’s brain. After our episode with psychologist and ADHD expert Janelle Booker - and a reboot of his algorithm that Hugh related to on a spiritual level - Hugh began to wonder whether his time-blindness, reject sensitivity and inability to focus on things he wasn’t interested in, could be explained by ADHD. Turns out, yeah. Hugh pretty much definitely has ADHD. Exploring Hugh’s lived experience, Ryan and Josh chat through how Hugh has reconciled his incredible frustrations into acknowledgment and celebration for his strengths. This episode is a snippet from an A Little More Imperfects Patreon episode: a place where we publish fortnightly bonus episode, early access to tickets and talk to our community about upcoming guests, bonus content and what they want to see more of. If you would like to become a member of our Patreon community, follow this link: www.patreon.com/theimperfects To watch this full episode on YouTube, click here: https://bit.ly/4cGOPpO
Chasing the ‘perfect’ diet is a trap; which is really great news for our brand. Simon Hill, nutritionist, physiotherapist, and host of The Proof podcast, joins us in the Academy of Imperfection to break down whether the latest dietary trends on social media actually match up with nutrition science. In this episode, Simon unpacks the role of both genetics and lifestyle choices in shaping our health, and specifically our risk of disease. Acknowledging the pressure, and sometimes shame, that comes with chasing the ‘perfect’ diet, Hugh, Ryan, and Josh discuss how to encourage kids to build positive relationships with food, and the incredible significance of ‘joy’ and ‘human connection’, that occurs when we get together to eat. And then, of course, we play Simon Says and bust some food-myths about supplements, plant protein, and whether breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Simon, thank you for all that you says. To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4jyH2NL
Trauma ran through Courtney Ugle’s family - until it ran into her. CEO and founder of Waangkiny, as well as a football superstar, Courtney is on a mission to transform her adversity into resilience, power, and love. In our Vulnerabilitea House, Courtney answers the question, “what childhood challenges best prepared you for adulthood?”, diving into how she copes with the loss of her greatest source of unconditional love and support, and how this drives the work that she does today. In conversation with Hugh, Ryan and Josh, Courtney speaks to the raw intersection of grief and joy, and what it is like to realise that the only person coming to save you, is you. Courtney, we can’t wait to have an oat magic with you soon. If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/G_Rdt1EhA0U If you would like to host your own Vulneratilitea House, you can purchase the cards here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP
Chances are, you’ve supported someone going through a tough time. And while the meaning sustains the sacrifice, today we want to support you ….. supporting them. A bit of support inception, if you will. To guide us through this incredibly complex and meaningful topic is our resident psychologist, Dr Emily Musgrove. Navigating relationships requires awareness. Showing up as a partner, friend, parent, or sibling while holding space for pain – without being overwhelmed – is a skill that takes practice. Reminding us that no one hates their struggle more than the person suffering, Dr Em delves into some practical strategies of support, such as walking the line between respect and care, as well as always understanding the difference between effort and capacity. To all of the supporters and carers listening, we see you. We love you. And we hope you felt held, too. To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://bit.ly/3XILzEe To pre-order Dr. Em’s book Unstuck, click here - https://bit.ly/4bhmCp2
This is PART TWO of our chat with footballer, coach and uniter of people, Danielle Laidley. We HIGHLY recommend you go back and listen to part one if you haven’t heard it (linked below). In this episode, Danielle recounts how it felt to be publicly outed, her own voice removed as the media crafted their own narrative about her identity. A story of courage, resilience and love, Danielle vulnerably shares with Hugh, Ryan and Josh how she united her two worlds, and found the strength to live authentically for herself, and become a role model for others. To watch the entire interview with Danielle on YouTube, click here - https://bit.ly/3FJ8Lw2
Danielle May Laidley was known by a different name for the first 53 years of her life. We are so proud that this episode is a contributing factor to her reclaiming her narrative as a transgender woman. An extremely talented AFL footballer, Danielle would go on to become a highly respected coach, always keeping within arm’s reach the version of herself which felt most authentic. Danielle’s story, in its entirety, is so incredibly important that we had to split it over two big and special episodes. In this first part, we are introduced to phase 1 of her life: the footballer, the husband and the coach and with an addictive personality that caused her to become tough, fierce and obsessed with footy. Danielle discusses with Hugh, Ryan, and Josh the strict compartmentalisation of the different parts of her life during her AFL career, and the terrifying risks she took to satisfy the cravings to be her authentic self. You can watch the entire interview (Part One and Part Two) on YouTube, here – https://bit.ly/3FJ8Lw2
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